Nedum Onuoha and Grant Hall have inspired Joel Lynch to improve his game during his first season at QPR.

The Rangers defence has improved all season with the trio pushing each other on to greater heights in order to stay in the team.

And Lynch believes the pair have helped him improve as a player and have brought out the best in him.

He said: “I think that Nedum and Hally are two of the best centre halves in the league. To play with them, it makes me play better.

“I think we've got some good centre halves. It brings out the best in me to keep my place and to keep doing what I do.

R for roar: Joel Lynch is reasonably pleased

“It's good for the team to have that competition. We're all really good mates. I've been rested a few times and I want them both to do well and get clean sheets.”

Lynch had an injury hit start to life at QPR but has been a regular in recent weeks and feels settled in west London.

He said: “It's started to get a bit better. I had a few injuries early on so it's tough for me. Moving to a new club is different.

“I'm enjoying it more now. It's been up and down but it's positive to build on it for next season.”

The defender was signed by Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink but the Dutchman was sacked in November with Ian Holloway replacing him and Lynch believes the popular Rangers boss has improved his game.

He added: “It was completely different as they're different managers with different ideas. Ollie has benefited me greatly and I feel I'm improving and learning off the manager. It's been good for me to stay fit.”

Boss: Ian Holloway

With the season drawing to a close, it is time for players to think about who wins the player of the season awards. For Lynch, it's a no brainer with Alex Smithies being his pick.

He said: “Without Smithies it could have been a tougher run in. I'd say he's the best Championship goalkeeper.

“I've not seen a goalkeeper better than him in the Championship. I played with him at Huddersfield and he's grown a lot since.

“He's always been a brilliant keeper but he's found another level. He's improving, he's a professional and he's a great lad. The club has done well to get him to stay.”